New England Patriots: Michigan duo ready to dominate in New England

The New England Patriots have a new favorite school to draft from. In the past two years, the team has made some great selections from the University of Michigan.

Being critical of the New England Patriots draft is an annual right of passage for this writer. I love the draft and they never fail to disappoint me. It just works out that way.

But that doesn’t mean that I don’t like certain players in their drafts.

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There are two, one each from 2019 and 2020 whom I really like. They are edge Chase Winovich and offensive guard, Michael Onwenu. They both interestingly came from Michigan.

Maybe it’s a pre-and post-Tom Brady departure syndrome or something. I just like these two players, a lot. Here’s why.

In 2019, I really wanted to see this player in New England possibly above any other player in the draft. It was Chase Winovich. The Patriots waited and then took Wino as a third-round pick. That pick was more than a surprise. It was a shock. They almost never have taken a player I’d really hoped for.

Yes, he was from Michigan. It was a really good move by the New England Patriots. Wino had a very good season in 2019 with 5.5 sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.

He’ll surely be playing a greater role off the edge this season. He’ll help replace the edge snaps of Jamie Collins and to some extent maybe Kyle Van Noy. Chase will be readying for a breakout season in 2020. Don’t be shocked to see double-digit sacks.

New England Patriots’ next Michigan great

It’s former Michigan gargantuan offensive guard, Michael Onwenu. I hadn’t zeroed in on Onwenu prior to the draft, I must admit, but I like everything about his being picked by New England, especially in the 6th round.

The pundits would call this a late value pick. I call it grand theft. Onwenu as a guard doesn’t really garner much attention. Unless he messes up and gets his quarterback stuffed.

He doesn’t, much. Inherently, he’s a massive obstacle for any defensive tackle, and he can play too.

Versatility might also be a calling card for Onwenu. Owenu could possibly see some time at nose tackle.

He played that position in his first year at Michigan. Onwenu certainly has close to Vince Wilfork-like size and he’d be a handful to move off the mark for any offensive lineman this side of Mekhi Becton and Trent Brown.